Discovering : Jakarta

Keeping true to my annual Indonesia visit streak, I managed to snag some flight tickets to Jakarta courtesy of #OLDTOWNDestinations collaboration of Old Town Kopitiam, Tiger Air and Igersmalaysia.

The Instagram picture that scored the free flight ticket :3

While this is not my first time to Jakarta, I felt that due to work commitment, my previous trip did not do justice to experience what Jakarta truly has to offer. After the monologue debate with myself, I decided, heck, why not pay a visit to the capital of Indonesia.

Legend says that the traffic in Jakarta is a challenge for city maneuvering, I cannot argue with that fact I must say. Having landed in Soekarno Hatta International Airport in the evening (and after detouring out in Singapore by refusing to stay in the transit area for more than 7 hours), I was exhausted and I wanted to directly to head to my accommodation located around 10 minutes drive (minus the traffic congestion) from the Tugu Selamat Datang (Welcome Monument), one of the landmarks in Jakarta.

Decided against using the cab service and attempting Uber for the first time, I spent Rp 77,500 (Approximately RM 24) for a 45 minutes drive, it's definitely a wise, thrifty call.

Bro Tips : If cab is your thing anyway, do go for the Blue Bird taxi service, they are more reputable and most unlikely to short change and/or extend your travel route and meter fare.

Casa Living Serviced Residence , Setiabudi

I managed to book this service apartment room, Casa Living for RM 71 per night, I guess it is worth it due to its location and the fact that this place is relatively new.

Sundays are meant for family day, and that means most of the generic tourist attraction would normally be packed.

Bro Tips : Beware of Car Free Days on Sundays, from 0600 - 1100, where cars are cordoned off on the main avenues of the city, Jalan Sudirman and Jalan Thamrin, from Senayan area to Monas (translates - the busiest streets in Jakarta)

One of the main reason why I targeted Jakarta was that I wanted to experience the cafe scene in this bustling city, and I did managed to get to quite a number of them (in one day).

Rustic Indonesian dishes Flatlay (sorry, Instagrammers do what Instagrammers do)

After the so called traffic embargo in the morning, I met up with a friend and he introduced me to his favorite, local Indonesian joint named Pondok Laguna, where I was introduced to several local food I've yet to tried, namely the Ayam Bumbu (Spiced Chicken) and Tahu Kipas (Tofu stuffed with Prawns and Vegetables). I am fairly certain that I am a newly appointed fan of the tahu kipas (no pun intended).

MonDecor

Slotted next was to one of the lesser visited, modern arts museum in Jakarta known as Art-1 New Museum or the MonDecor. This place is fairly moderate in terms of the art displays, and I guess that is one reason why this place may not draw as many crowd/visits. None the less, the space here is ample and ideal for art seminars, workshop and art appreciation (if those fancy you).

Tugu Selamat Datang

Notable landmarks in Jakarta should seal the validity of your presence here. The Tugu Selamat Datang (Welcome Monument) and Monas (National Monument) are around 10 minutes drive away from each other. The Monas is erected at the Merdeka Square, at 132m and it is a symbol of independence struggle for the people of Indonesia. There is also an observation deck open at the peak of Monas, but it is best to head there early as the crowd there can be overwhelming.

Monas (National Monument)

Bro Tips : If places of religion interest you, you may also visit the Istiqlal Mosque as well as the Jakarta Cathedral, a contrasting presence of two religion close to each other. 

It also pays to visit the Kota Tua of Jakarta. This Old Town, also known as Oud Batavia, is inherent of its buildings with Dutch architecture facade, and it's a UNESCO heritage location. Do note the Wayang Museum, Post Office as well as Cafe Batavia, the oldest surviving cafe here.

Kota Tua

Bro Tips : There's also some Bank museums here, notably Bank Museum Indonesia and Museum Mandiri to visit.

Bro Tips : For lunch or quick bite, you may drop by at Historia, reasonable priced food that serves local food and it's cafe social media worthy.

I then made my way, braving the after work rush to South Jakarta to meet up a close friend for dinner. They said if you can pronounce the food, don't eat it. The exception of course, is when you have a local friend to recommend the best of the local food (despite it being in a non-rustic place like a mall), but hey, local food savored - Checked, company of a good friend - Checked, what more I could ask for.

And that sums my Jakarta trip, albeit the itinerary could be tweaked to maximize my time here but I am contented enough. I'm sure to look forward to revisit Jakarta, if not any part of the greater Indonesia.

Airport Situation at Soekarno Hatta International Airport

Bro Tips : Tiger Air flies 3X per day from Singapore to Jakarta.

Gadget Review : Sudio KLANG Earphones

Christmas definitely came slightly earlier this year as I was looking for a complement and a companion for my phone on the move or traveling, and Sudio Klang came along. If you're from Malaysia/been to Malaysia, no, the earphone is not manufactured or originate from Klang. In fact, the elegant Sudio earphones hails with its Scandinavian roots from Sweden.

Delivering on studio quality and exquisite designs, Sudio prides on its timeless design philosophy. The chic design of the earphones accompanied by its homochromous leather case, makes it a perfect lifestyle accessory regardless of the event I may be in - casual or suited up. Gone are the days of tangled earphones, the flat wires fits well into the case on the go.

Plus, they do make pretty photogenic accessory that fits well to your social media feeds. Sudio also emphasizes on craftsmanship, where most parts of the production process still involve human handmade intervention. Now that's commitment to quality, I may add!

Bro Tips : They take on the manufacturing, design and sales task without the need of the middleman, which is why their cost is significantly lower than other leading, quality earphone brands you see in the market. 

I am particularly partial to Sudio's Stay-in-Ear feature, particularly the Klang design. One cord is notably longer than the other and receives support from the user's neck to prevent the earphones from being pulled out, accessory anyone? The Sudio earphone also comes with a metal clip to hold them in place while you're in motion. 

The three buttons practically save you the hassle of constantly checking your phone. The top and bottom buttons controls the volume, and the middle one is a heck of a multitasker - pause/play , forward/backwards and even rewinds your playlist. 

Bro Tips : I've been a staunch user of Samsung products, and although the Klang earphone is excellent in the sound quality avenue, it is primarily designed to support iOS, which hinders certain features on Android. PS:  Holding down the middle button on a push actually starts your Siri, as I learned from using my brother's iPhone. 

Here's the driver specification available for audiophiles 

Type: 10.0 mm Dynamic Speaker

Sensitivity: 102 dB SPL @ 1 kHz

Impedance: 32 Ohm @ 1kHz

Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz

The 10.0 mm Dynamic Speaker is designed to deliver a natural bass without compromising the high tones, think of it like you're a recording artist. It's good to delve into your own world of playlist and not being distracted with the intrusive surrounding noises and Klang delivers just that.

Also included, 4 pairs of extra sleeves/earbuds to customize to one's ear, and a chic looking quality assurance cards that completes the Sudio set. Klang currently comes in four colours - Brown, Black, White and Orange (anyone who know me well would know which colour I would choose without a shadow of a doubt!)

Klang is priced at RM 249, and they do ship the product worldwide for free! To sweeten the deal for this festive season, you can get 15% discount for your Sudio earphones, just remember to quote psylancer when you make the purchase.

Ideas, inspiration and look book can be reached at

sudiosweden.com

Facebook : Sudio

Instagram : @sudiosweden

Do check out their other Sudio Earphones designs as well :
Två - features one button only to fit all devices and with two long cords.
Vasa - newly released with a new sound driver with a full–feature 3-button remote and mic for either Android or iOS. PS: Vasa's cords are of the same length, therefore it does not have the stay-in-ear functions.

Discovering : Macau

Going on a budget for accommodations in Macau could be a challenge, where even the oldest looking rooms could fetch up to RM350 per night (The room that we stayed costed us HKD 1130.12). Given that our flight is from Macau International Airport, we had no choice but to opt for 2 nights here.

Accommodation : Ole Tai Sam Un, Rua da Caldeira, No. 43-45, RC/A, Macau.

Senado Square

Ole Tai Sam Un is relatively walking distance to Senado Square (But locally known as 新馬路, San Ma Lo), one of the iconic landmarks of Macau.

Bro Tips : The locals here predominantly speak Cantonese, so they probably wouldn't know the English or the Portuguese equivalent of the places here, it is best that you consult the concierge or mark your maps so that they would know the Cantonese name of the destination.

Noodle with Shrimp Roe

Few of the delicacies to try in Macau include the famous Pork Chop Bun (literally, a piece of pork chop on the bone with the bun) & the Macanese/Portuguese Egg Tart. The breakfast we had was the famous Noodle with Shrimp Roe at Wong Chi Kei, a famous dish Hong Kong, Macau and Guangzhou.

Wong Chi Kei, 17 Largo do Seal Sonado, Macau

Ruins of St.Paul

We headed to the Ruins of St.Paul, and being the most iconic place in Macau, it is generally crowded in the morning, with tourists taking pictures in generic and otherwise improbable poses. Less crowded? Try going at night.

Travessa da Paixão

Within close proximity of the Ruins, you would be able to find the small Na Tcha Temple (Templo Na Tcha,大三巴哪吒廟) dedicated to worship the deity Na Tcha (Nazha) as well as the Travessa da Paixão (戀愛巷, Love Lane - facing the Ruins, it the lane should be on your left); a colorful lane that is a favourite among photographers for wedding photo shoots.

Fortazela do Monte

Facing the ruins, on the right, you can work your way up to the Fortazela do Monte (大炮台), a 8000 square miles fortress equipped with cannons and watchtowers and where you can have a panoramic view of Macau.

Bro Tips : Walking distance from here you should be able to find St. Anthony's Church and Tau Tei Temple, few of the other notable places of interest.

From the ruins, we managed our way to the Tap Seac Gallery and Tap Seac Square, worth wandering here if you are keen on photogenic historic buildings with European façade that is. You would be able to find your way to Senado Square back from here for shopping or plain sight seeing.

Of course if you are an adrenaline junkie, make your way to the Macau Tower for the bungy jump (and/or other extreme activities) which I have covered in my earlier post. >> Jumping from the Macau Tower

Single Origin cafe

We found a corner located cafe, Single Origin that is compact like many businesses here in Macau but their owners are exceptionally friendly and they took their time explaining their brew and coffee. Wouldn't mind coming back here if I am going to Macau again that is.

Single Origin, Macau, Rua de Abreu Nunes 19 R/C

From here, if you are on time crunch, you can either go for these two routes which I have planned earlier on.

The bridge connecting Cotai and the Peninsular

Traditional

A-Ma Temple - Lilau Square - Mandarin House - St.Lawrence Church - St. Joseph Church - St. Augustine Church - Senado Square

Modern

Kun Iam Ecumenical Centre, Macau Museum Arts, Macau Cultural Centre, Macau Science Centre, Macau Fisherman Wharf, Golden Lotus Square

We chose the latter option, and explored the chic architecture of both the Macau Arts Museum as well as the Macau Science Centre.

Macau Arts Museum

And to wrap the day up, we went to the Cotai area and visited a few casinos (well, not really in the casino as we are not gamblers per se and only soaked in the regal and expensiveness of the casino's vicinity).

The Venetian

Bro Tips : Venetian, Four Seasons, City of Dreams, Sands Cotai Central & Galaxy are the notable casinos located at the Cotai area, whereas Lisboa, MGM & Wynn are located at the Macau Peninsular. Comparably, the casinos in Cotai looks grander, whereas the ones in the Peninsular are known for being the first few casinos that was founded in Macau.

Lisboa Casino

Basically, without the inclusion of the Macau Tower, you probably would be able to visit places like A-Ma Temple and the Mandarin House, and also if there is an extra day to spare, try visiting the villages like Taipa and Coloane. I might not visit Macau again that soon but perhaps a change of mind is possible with the idea of the creamy, delicious Macanese Egg Tarts - just sayin'.